Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) from a highly restricted range in Idaho

Posted by
  Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) from a highly restricted range in Idaho Abstract A new species of Hexura Simon, 1885 is described from a very restricted geographic range in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, 500 km east of the previously known distribution of the genus in the Coastal Ranges and western Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington. This work provides the first taxonomic information for this group in almost 50 years, including a phylogenomic framework for the genus within the mygalomorph superfamily Atypoidea , based on Ultraconserved elements ( UCEs ). Hexura vandal sp. nov . can be distinguished from the other two described species by a combination of morphological, molecular, and geographic characteristics. Lastly, we discuss the need for conservation actions to secure the survival of the species. Calatayud-Mascarell A, Briggs EJ, Hamilton CA (2026) Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomo...

First record of Aenigmarachne Schmidt, 2005 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Colombia, with the description of a new species and the first described female

Posted by

 


First record of Aenigmarachne Schmidt, 2005 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Colombia, with the description of a new species and the first described female

Abstract

The previously monotypic genus Aenigmarachne Schmidt, 2005, known only from a single male specimen collected presumably in Isla el Coco, Costa Rica, is reported here for the first time in Colombia, with the description of a new species based on male and female specimens. Thus, we expand the known geographic range of the genus and enhance our understanding of Theraphosinae diversity in northern South America and Colombia. Additionally, we provide detailed observations on the urticating setae in the species and discuss aspects of its natural history.

Osorio, L.M., Polo, J.S. Ávila, Sabbatino, A.F. & Martínez, L.A.S. (2025) First record of Aenigmarachne Schmidt, 2005 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Colombia, with the description of a new species and the first described female. Zootaxa, 5723 (4), 550–564. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.4.5